Strapping Down Your Boat

[NCH2oSki]

No transom straps, but I do use a giant turnbucle in addition to the winch strap. Its basically a requirement for the wishbone style trailers.

[Flyerace]

I use the swim platform also with the seatbelt type straps. The boat seems to move sideways on the bunks without them.

Also, I've been told that the state patrol will issue a whopper of a ticket if you do not have transom straps (Wisconsin).

[ozark_skier]

Any Adverse Reactions?

Any body ever have any problems strapping to the platform brackets? That's not really what their designed for, but they seem pretty stout. I'd hate to crank down on a strap and pull one of them out.

[Sinkoumn]

RE: Any Adverse Reactions?

I use my platform brackets all the time, I don't crank the crap out of the lines, but just enough to keep the tight.

No problems at all.

[SGY]

RE: Any Adverse Reactions?

Have been giving this some thought. I don't think transom straps are going to keep a boat on the trailer in the event of a catastrophe. But, I still think straps are worthwhile to keep my 196 from bouncing or rebounding on the trailer. Single axle Ramlins are bouncy. I'm going to use the platform brackets. These are bolted through and are no less stout that a dedicated bolt thru ring/hook one would install for tie downs. One could also use a single strap to over the gunwales at the back of the boat. I don't like those things rubbing on my gel or vinyl, however.

[Kraven]

I used to rely on my winch, until one day I also heard a pop, then heard people yelling. Looked out the window and seen the boat sliding slowly off the trailer. I hurried and threw the truck into reverse, and got the boat back into the water before any damage was done.

Although I guess I would'nt of had my straps on yet anyways. But now I always do whatever is safest and use the straps.

[ScarletArrow]

Re: RE: Any Adverse Reactions?

Have been giving this some thought. I don't think transom straps are going to keep a boat on the trailer in the event of a catastrophe. But, I still think straps are worthwhile to keep my 196 from bouncing or rebounding on the trailer. Single axle Ramlins are bouncy. I'm going to use the platform brackets. These are bolted through and are no less stout that a dedicated bolt thru ring/hook one would install for tie downs. One could also use a single strap to over the gunwales at the back of the boat. I don't like those things rubbing on my gel or vinyl, however.

I agree completely. There's no way the tie downs are going to keep the boat on the trailer in a highway type accident.

It might help hold in situations where the bunks are wet and there is a slight incline, but you would have to be moving relatively slowly.

The main purpose of the tiedowns is to help prevent bouncing.

The platform brackets are the only 'obvious' place to tie to, and since the tiedowns are providing a minimal service, there shouldn't any issues with stress.

I would much prefer this over strapping a belt completely over the gunwales...both are going to provide the same function, but I think there is less of a chance of something happening as a result of stress by tying into the brackets.